Developing OCOP products is a breakthrough for cooperatives.

Ca Mau is developing OCOP products to increase value for cooperatives, helping to raise income, expand markets, and affirm the core role of the collective economy.

Recently, the collective economy in Ca Mau has seen many positive changes as cooperatives not only support farmers in organizing production but also represent them in signing linkage contracts with businesses, from supplying materials to selling products. As a result, people's trust in the collective economic model is increasingly strengthened.

Mr. Pham Van Thieu (in white shirt), Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee and Chairman of the Provincial People's Council of Ca Mau, visits the OCOP product display booth. Photo: Trong Linh.

Agricultural cooperatives continue to affirm their important role in creating concentrated production areas, large fields, and large-scale raw material zones. This forms the foundation for introducing technological advancements into production according to standardized processes; at the same time, cooperatives contribute to forming a stable supply of goods for the market, participating deeply in the value chain, creating jobs, increasing income, and sustainably reducing poverty in rural areas.

Beyond simply supporting production-consumption linkages, many cooperatives have proactively invested in processing and perfecting products according to OCOP standards to enhance the value of agricultural products and create more jobs for their members.

Currently, Ca Mau province has 51 cooperatives with 123 products ranging from rice, shrimp, seafood, salt, etc., that have completed packaging and labeling and met OCOP standards. Of these, 98 products have achieved 3-star OCOP certification and 25 products have achieved 4-star OCOP certification. OCOP certification allows cooperative products to participate more deeply in the market, expand outlets, and increase value.

Mr. Trinh Dat Duy, Chairman of the Board of Directors and Director of Vinh Thanh Cooperative (Vinh Hau commune), said: “After achieving OCOP certification, the cooperative's orders have become more numerous and stable. During peak periods such as holidays and Tet (Lunar New Year), members have to work twice as hard to meet demand. As a result, income has also increased significantly.”

In Vinh My commune, Thanh Son Cooperative is one of the units actively developing OCOP products, especially the group of products from ecological shrimp. According to Mr. Tran Van Ngo, Chairman of the Board of Directors and Director of Thanh Son Cooperative, OCOP opens up great opportunities for the cooperative to standardize products and access a wider market. After the product was recognized as a 3-star OCOP product, the number of customers increased, especially specialty stores and distribution businesses.

"Most importantly, the cooperative's reputation has increased, members have more confidence, and are boldly investing in improving the quality of their growing and raising areas. We are continuing to finalize the documentation to upgrade our products to OCOP 4-star next year, and at the same time, investing in more preservation equipment to meet the stringent requirements of the market," Mr. Ngo said.

Sharing the same view, Mr. Tran Trung Hieu, Director of Ba Men Cooperative (An Trach commune), commented: "Developing OCOP products not only increases value but also creates opportunities."

"Creating more jobs and increasing income for cooperative members is the direction that will help the cooperative develop sustainably."

Recognizing the importance of the OCOP (One Commune One Product) program, the Provincial Cooperative Union has actively supported cooperatives in registering new products. Mr. Nguyen Van Vu, Chairman of the Ca Mau Provincial Cooperative Union, stated: "Besides providing loan support for economic development, the Union always accompanies and creates favorable conditions for cooperatives to develop OCOP products, contributing to expanding membership and production scale. Currently, many cooperatives are taking advantage of this support to register and develop OCOP products. Simultaneously, the Union also encourages and supports cooperatives in upgrading their products to 4 stars to reach a wider market."

Minh Duy Cooperative's water spinach, Dong Hung hamlet, Hung My commune, has achieved OCOP 3-star product certification. Photo: Trong Linh.

Although the number of cooperatives participating in the OCOP program is not yet large, the results achieved so far have created an important foundation for replicating the model. In reality, cooperatives are undergoing a strong transformation, not only acting as a bridge between farmers and businesses but also becoming direct entities bringing agricultural products to consumers and expanding markets.

Source: https://nongnghiepmoitruong.vn/phat-trien-san-pham-ocop-la-buoc-dot-pha-cho-htx-d784196.html